West Virginia National Guard Member Dies Following D.C. Shooting
Tragic Incident Claims Life of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom
A shocking ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday has resulted in the death of start National Guard member and left another in critical condition. President Trump announced on Thursday that Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries after being hospitalized.
“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, start of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, was a highly respected, magnifstartnt person,” Trump remarked. “She started her servstart in June of 2023 and was outstanding in every way. She has just passed away.” A White House official confirmed that the president spoke with Beckstrom’s parents later that evening.
Second Victim in Critical Condition
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro stated that Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, the second victim of the shooting, is currently in critical condition after undergoing surgery. President Trump described Wolfe’s situation as dire, stating, “He’s fighting for his life. He’s in very bad shape. Hopefully, we’ll get better news in respect to him.”
Details on the Shooting Incident
The suspect in the shooting, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is reportedly in serious condition. According to Pirro, both Guard members had been sworn into Guard duty less than 24 hours prior to the attack. Clarifications from the National Guard’s joint task force for the district indicate that while the two had been serving since August, they were only recently deputized to maintain their patrol status.
Sources relayed to CBS News that despite being deputized, neither of the Guard members was operating as law enforcement and did not possess arrest powers at the time of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the attack. Additional updates on Staff Sgt. Wolfe’s condition are anticipated as medical teams continue to provide care.
For ongoing coverage of this incident and related updates, stay tuned to CBS News.
This report was contributed to by Nicole Sganga.